Columbia 2021 MFA Screenwriting/Directing Applicants (4 Viewers)

Those who got the interview email, did y'all apply for Screenwriting/Directing or just Screenwriting?
I don’t know if I’m enterely correct, but I’m almost sure that it’s called Screenwriting/Directing. When I applied for, I don’t remember seeing a screenwriting only MFA. They thing is, they divide people in their preferred concentration after.

“First Year
The first year of the MFA Film Program at Columbia is devoted to the Core Curriculum – an integrated group of classes in which all MFA students learn the fundamental components of Directing, Screenwriting and Producing.

Towards the end of the second year, MFA Screenwriting/Directing students declare their intended concentration”

 
it’s called Screenwriting/Directing
According to the interview with @Patrick Clement classes are combined first year and then you split off you either Screenwriting or Directing IIRC:

Q & A With Patrick Clement, Columbia MFA Screenwriting & Directing Student

Q & A With Patrick Clement, Columbia MFA Screenwriting & Directing Student

"I went to Columbia because I wanted to be a better storyteller and understanding structure... and I do think my storytelling has gotten better and more complex and deeper and I'm really grateful to Columbia.... they delivered exactly what I expected them to deliver." Recently I had the...
 
Has anyone heard of Columbia giving out scholarships for MFA film students?
Good question! On the program info session they mentioned that the avg. aid the school gives is around 20-25k. You can find it on youtube.
Starting your second year, you can apply for a TA.
My question: does anyone know if they ever give out full rides?

Another question: For those interviewing, is Columbia your top choice? If so, why?
 
Good question! On the program info session they mentioned that the avg. aid the school gives is around 20-25k. You can find it on youtube.
Starting your second year, you can apply for a TA.
My question: does anyone know if they ever give out full rides?

Another question: For those interviewing, is Columbia your top choice? If so, why?
Curious about these questions myself!
 
columbia student here.

i'm not a full ride recipient but it is my understanding is that a couple of other folks in the program folks are.
someone asked about interviews...i believe they interview in batches, my interview back in the day was smack dab in the middle of march if that's helpful for anyone.

producers, screenwriters, and directors all take the same classes year one, with the producers splitting off in year two.
directors and screenwriters continue taking the same classes in year two, then declare a concentration in Directing, Screenwriting, or TV Writing at the end of that year. However, there is little functional distinction between tv writing and screenwriting...

hope that helps.
 
columbia student here.

i'm not a full ride recipient but it is my understanding is that a couple of other folks in the program folks are.
someone asked about interviews...i believe they interview in batches, my interview back in the day was smack dab in the middle of march if that's helpful for anyone.

producers, screenwriters, and directors all take the same classes year one, with the producers splitting off in year two.
directors and screenwriters continue taking the same classes in year two, then declare a concentration in Directing, Screenwriting, or TV Writing at the end of that year. However, there is little functional distinction between tv writing and screenwriting...

hope that helps.
Good to know! How many films do you make in your first and second year? Are you enjoying the program overall?
 
Last edited:
How many films do you make in your first and second year?
Ok traditionally it goes like this: Year one: 6 exercises, 1 3-5 minute short, 1 8-12 minute short. Year two: 6 exercises, 1 longer (20 min? not sure) short.
With COVID: I've done all my exercises (a few with my phone due to lack of access to the school's gear). I've shot the 3-5 minute short but the other two haven't been shot yet. I'm hoping to shoot one this summer and leave the other one for next year, but it really depends on how the pandemic pans out.
Are you enjoying the program overall?
I'm enjoying the writing part immensely.
 
Ok traditionally it goes like this: Year one: 6 exercises, 1 3-5 minute short, 1 8-12 minute short. Year two: 6 exercises, 1 longer (20 min? not sure) short.
With COVID: I've done all my exercises (a few with my phone due to lack of access to the school's gear). I've shot the 3-5 minute short but the other two haven't been shot yet. I'm hoping to shoot one this summer and leave the other one for next year, but it really depends on how the pandemic pans out.

I'm enjoying the writing part immensely.
Good to know! One more question, were you accepted anywhere else? If so, why did you choose Columbia?
 
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